Current Water Conditions

Flows are fluctuating with mild to medium runoff from high-elevation snowpack. The river remains mostly clear and wadable in most areas but with some rain and a possible weather front moving through next weekend. Timing will be key the week of 5/12/25.   Current flows are 77 CFS at Tahoe City, 398 CFS through Truckee, and 1000 CFS near Farad. Trout are in deeper pools, and seams. Afternoons bring a slight increase in runoff, though morning clarity (around 9am) remains best with peak runoff at 2pm. Not many evening hatches to speak of yet. The river is turning off color in the afternoons. Act accordingly and fish big flies and streamers on a sink tip on the swing.

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures are holding steady in the mid to upper 50s in the warmer afternoons.

Hatches

Bug life is becoming more active with consistent Blue Winged Olive hatches. Midges and Skwalas remain present. March Browns and PMDs should begin showing more as daytime temps rise. Once the river turns color the hatches stop. Fish a baitfish or craydad pattern at the dirt water times.

Effective Tactics

Tightline and indicator nymphing continue to produce the most fish. Use long leaders (12–15 ft) and heavy anchor flies to reach the strike zone in faster runs. Heavy double indicator nymph set ups are working on 5x tippet. Olive and black streamers on sink tips are gaining traction. Spin anglers should cast small jigs or spoons near deep structure, rocks , logs and seams. Sink tips and streamers are working as well in the dirty water times.

Catch Report

Anglers are reporting strong hookups with both rainbows and browns, especially on deep nymph rigs. Streamer action is heating up in the right section of the river. Spin fishing remains effective in deeper water ,and heavy pools. Check the current regulations for tackle and bait restrictions.